Quito, a World Heritage City or a city to live in?

Quito, Ecuador's capital and the first city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, faces challenges in balancing urban heritage preservation with sustainable development. A recent study highlights that innovative cultural programs, such as 'Tell me about your Quito,' have successfully redefined heritage by involving residents in its creation and appropriation. This approach, emerging within the context of Ecuador's 'Citizens' Revolution' and 'Good Living State' policies, suggests a shift towards a 'right to heritage.' This inclusive tool fosters urban spaces where residents can actively participate, potentially leading to more democratic and sustainable urban planning practices.

Burgos-Vigna, D. (2017). Quito, a World Heritage City or a city to live in? City, 21(5), 550–567. https://doi.org/10.1080/13604813.2017.1374774